GANG INFORMATION
Fighting
the scourge of gang related activity is one of the hallmarks of the Halifax
County Commonwealth's Office.
WARNING SIGNS OF GANG INVOLVEMENT
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO PREVENT GANG INVOLVEMENT
RESOURCES
WARNING SIGNS OF GANG INVOLVEMENT
Your child exhibits negative changes in behavior such as:
- Withdraws from family.
- Declining school attendance or performance.
- Stays out late without a reason.
- Displays an unusual desire for secrecy.
- Exhibits signs of drug use.
- Breaks rules constantly.
- Speaks in gang-style slang.
- Shows an unusual interest in one or two particular colors or a
particular logo.
- Using unusual hand signals to communicate with friends.
- Has an unusual interest in gangsta-influenced music, videos, movies or
websites.
- Has specific drawings or gang symbols on schoolbooks, clothes, walls or
displays tattoos.
- Comes home with unexplained physical injuries (fighting related bruises
such as injuries to the hand or knuckles).
- Has unexplained cash or goods such as clothing, electronics or jewelry.
- Admits to "hanging out" with kids in gangs.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP PREVENT GANG INVOLVEMENT
As a parent you want to protect your children and make sure that they do
not become involved with gangs. Here are some good parenting
strategies to keep your child from gang involvement:
- Spend quality time with your child.
- Get involved in your child's school activities.
- Know your child's friends and their families.
- Talk with your child about the dangers and consequences of gang
involvement.
- Let your child know that you do not want to see them hurt or arrested.
- Teach your child how to cope with peer pressure.
- Take action in your neighborhood (create a neighborhood alliance,
report graffiti).
- Do not allow the use of any kind of hand or finger signs that may be
meaningful to gangs.
- Do not allow your child to wear clothing that may have meaning to
gangs in your area.
RESOURCES
To help families in their gang prevention efforts, Halifax County has a
broad range of resources available to you and your child:
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
Project Safe
Neighborhoods
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Halifax County Health Dept. 434-476-4863
Southside Common Services Board 434-572-2936
Healthy Families 434-575-0110
POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Town of Halifax 434-476-2526
Town of South Boston 434-575-4270
Sheriff's Department 434-476-3334
Virginia State Police 800-552-0962
Non-Emergency Calls 434-476-1887
Commonwealth's Attorney 434-476-2139
Victim/Witness Assistance 434-476-3393
POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
- Gang Graffiti
- Gangs 101
- Your Friends, Your Choices
RECREATION
Y.M.C.A. 434-572-8909
South Boston United Martial Arts 434-575-8888
Halifax County Recreation Dept. 434-476-3332
AYSO 434-454-6673
SUMMER PROGRAM
Kids College (SVHED) 434-572-5440
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Mentor/Role Model Program 434-575-3011
Misunderstood 434-476-7172
YOUTH CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS
Boy Scouts of America 434-728-1638 or
540-265-0656
Girl Scouts of America 800-474-1948
4-H Clubs 434-476-2134
In addition to these fine organizations, check with the schools for clubs
and various activities; also contact the local churches and ministers of
Halifax County for assistance.
